Following Cyclone Mocha in Bangladesh and Myanmar, the European Commission has released €2.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid to address the most urgent needs of the affected population.
The full magnitude of the damage is not yet known as access to the affected areas is limited. However, early reports suggest humanitarian needs are extensive and include shelter, water, sanitation and food, said a media release on Thursday.
Both countries are host to highly vulnerable populations that have been severely affected by the cyclone.
Myanmar's Rakhine State, which was the worst affected, is home to people who have been already displaced by conflict and whose temporary shelters have been largely destroyed. Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, also hit by the cyclone, hosts one million Rohingya refugees.
Additional heavy rainfall is expected in both countries over the coming days, increasing the risk of more flooding and landslides.
In the wake of the emergency, the EU triggered the Copernicus Satellite Emergency Management Service to provide real-time mapping and deployed experts to help conduct assessments in the field.
Thanks to previously allocated EU funds, humanitarian partners took anticipatory measures ahead of Mocha's impact by preparing shelter and food for the populations who would be affected.
In refugee camps in Bangladesh, volunteers trained and supported by EU partners helped inform and prepare communities and provided an immediate response.
These anticipatory measures helped to reduce further loss and damage.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: “A swift response is crucial in the wake of any emergency, especially when a disaster impacts already vulnerable communities, like those affected by cyclone Mocha in Myanmar and Bangladesh. We are releasing €2.5 million in humanitarian support and coordinating with our partners on the ground to address the most urgent needs of the population. Prompt action can save lives and prevent more damage.”
On May 14, Cyclone Mocha made landfall in Myanmar and Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, with maximum wind speeds of around 209kmph (equivalent to category 4 hurricane winds).